Masterda Surya Sen

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To commemorate the 75 years of India's independence, National Book Trust, India under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Government of India programme has launched a new publishing series India@75 for young and general readers. The books under this series will reflect the momentous, yet wonderful journey of India. As part of the series, books on freedom fighters, major achievers and events/themes that have shaped the modern India are being developed.

This book, originally written in Hindi, revolves around the life of a pioneering revolutionary, Masterda Surya Sen, whose sole aim was to free India from the shackles of the British. At the young age of 22, he joined the Anushilan Samiti, a major revolutionary group in Bengal. Also known as Surjo Sen and Surjya Sen, he was the leader of the Chittagong Revolution in the year 1930 in East Bengal (now Bangladesh). He worked selflessly through his Indian Republican Army, attacked and seized the government's armoury in Chittagong and successfully hoisted the national flag. During his imprisonment, he was subjected to various atrocities, yet this did not dampen Masterda's spirit. Even after decades, he stands as an embodiment of patriotism, commitment and never-say-die spirit that continues to inspire the youth.

Praveen Sharma is a well-known figure in the field of translation. She has been honoured with prestigious awards and has translated various titles published by the National Book Trust, India.

I remember Praveen Sharma being my batch mate (M.A.) years ago. However, in the hustle-bustle of life we all went our separate ways. When we again met, she had emerged as a successful translator. I read the works translated by her and really admired them. However, getting to know her through this book was a pleasant surprise. In one sitting, I read the entire work. Before, I did not have much knowledge about the life of Surya Sen. Though, he is known as the leader of the Chittagong revolution in Bengal (now in Bangladesh), in the rest of the country his contribution to the freedom struggle is not very well known. In this direction, this book is a praiseworthy endeavour. On the basis of the information provided in the book, I can say that the book, based on thorough research, has made an honest attempt to provide facts to the readers.

Masterda was known by the British government as the brain behind revolutionary outfits. Written in a simple, lucid and interesting language, the book on the life of Surya Sen, who selflessly worked for India's freedom struggle will be useful for readers and also inspire the present generation. Taking inspiration from Surya Sen, the youth can develop enthusiasm, optimism and leadership qualities.

I was inspired to write on the life of Surya Sen or Surjya Sen, while reading Dr. Hiren Gohain's book, The Contribution of Revolutionists to India's Freedom Struggle. Giving a vivid account of the Chittagong revolution, the book had mentioned that this selfless worker and those working with him had liberated important places in Chittagong from the British control, and well before 15th August, 1947, had unfurled the Indian flag on the British government armoury and declared that "Gandhiji's time has come."

**Contents and Sample Pages**